amniotic fluid

Pale, straw-colored fluid in which the fetus floats. It serves as a cushion against injury from sudden blows or movements and helps maintain a constant body temperature for the fetus. The fetus modifies the amniotic fluid through the processes of swallowing, urinating, and movement through the respiratory tract.

ballottement

Rebounding of the fetus against the examiner's finger on palpation. When the examiner taps the cervix, the fetus floats upward in the amniotic fluid. The examiner feels a rebound when the fetus falls back.

lochia

Nägele's rule

Determines the estimated date of birth based on the premise that the woman has a 28-day menstrual cycle. Add 7 days to the first day of the last menstrual period; subtract 3 months and add 1 year. Alternatively, add 7 days to the last menstrual period and count forward 9 months.

parity

placenta

Organ that provides for the exchange of nutrients and waste products between the fetus and the mother and produces hormones to maintain pregnancy. The placenta develops by the third month of gestation and is also called afterbirth.

uterus

vagina

Tubular structure located behind the bladder and in front of the rectum; it extends from the cervix to the vaginal opening in the perineum. It functions as the outflow tract for menstrual fluid and for vaginal and cervical secretions, the birth canal, and the organ for coitus.

when does ovulation occur?

ductus venosus

dystocia

betamethasone

a glucocorticoid given (after after mag sulfate for preterm labor) to increase surfactant producation to stimulate fetal lung maturation. given at 28 to 32 wks if mag is successful in inhibiting labor for 48 hrs.